6 Day trip to LA in early June, location suggestion (Santa Monica: rental car, rental)

[w113mrl]

We will be flying into LAX for 6 days in early June of this year. Our flight is booked and we will have a rental car throughout the duration of our stay. I know this is a common, often vague question people on this board are probably tired of answering but I was hoping for some suggestions on a central location in relation to what were interested in, from people that ACTUALLY live there. I've been to LA years ago and have been doing quite a bit of independent online research on neighborhoods but the more I dig and I discover I feel like its over complicating things. We will be booking an air bnb so we are flexible and open to all parts of the city. Just seems to be endless amount of awesome things and I want to make sure I make a smart decision.

Quick background, I'm 30 years old and will be traveling with my girlfriend. We are very open minded, laid back people looking to have fun, relax and sight see (we prefer more local, off the beaten bath type things). We both grew up in the inner city and are comfortable around people from all walks of life and grittier or transitional areas. More or less, we are looking for a cooler, walkable area to walk/bike around, eat, drink, smoke, take photographs, relax, take in live music, street art and do a beach day or two (still looking into Santa monica vs Venice). Just looking to fully embrace all the the traditional things southern California has to offer.

THE ACTUAL QUESTION

We are looking to check out Echo park/Silver lake area, Koreatown, maybe Hollywood, Culver city/west LA and a beach day or two at Venice or Santa Monica (No specific set plans or stops, still in the research phase)/ Given traffic, ease of functionality and personal recommendations, basically the question is deciding on booking an air bnb somewhere in west LA or Culver cityish area, alittle closer to the beach and dosent look super far from some the eastern neighborhoods we'd want to hang out in. Or staying closer to Echo Park, in what sounds like a cool, dense, walkable able area that we would like, would be closer to hollywood, Koreatown but would have a further drive to the Pacific ocean on the beach and to culver city/sawtelle (we will have a rental and dont mind driving too just want to be somewhat efficient).

Any input, personal suggestions, anecdotes or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[(901)]

Given your age i would choose silver lake or echo park. Lots of hipster bars/ppl in that area.
Generally speaking though I would choose West Hollywood as a good central location to stay if you're visiting

Manhattan beach is a lot nicer then the other two that you mention imo

[buytheredcar]

I would stay at maybe 2 places on your visit. Somewhere in DT then Venice/SM.
Since you will be having a car. It doesnt matter that much.

[Stephy0519]

Agree with Manhattan Beach. However, if you are set on going to a beach in that area, go to Venice BUT go much closer to the Marina. It's much more chill.